The heart and soul of Alabama's defense, Mosley leads the team with 59 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. He also has three pass breakups and four quarterback hurries.

Mosley is one of four linebackers to make the cut and one of four SEC players, joining South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews and Missouri defensive end Michael Sam.

Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o won the award last year. Here's the full list of semifinalists.